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Emmerich K, Hageter J, Hoang T, Lyu P, Sharrock AV, Ceisel A, Thierer J, Chunawala Z, Nimmagadda S, Palazzo I, Matthews F, Zhang L, White DT, Rodriguez C, Graziano G, Marcos P, May A, Mulligan T, Reibman B, Saxena MT, Ackerley DF, Qian J, Blackshaw S, Horstick E, Mumm JS. A large-scale CRISPR screen reveals context-specific genetic regulation of retinal ganglion cell regeneration. Development 2024; 151:dev202754. [PMID: 39007397 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Many genes are known to regulate retinal regeneration after widespread tissue damage. Conversely, genes controlling regeneration after limited cell loss, as per degenerative diseases, are undefined. As stem/progenitor cell responses scale to injury levels, understanding how the extent and specificity of cell loss impact regenerative processes is important. Here, transgenic zebrafish enabling selective retinal ganglion cell (RGC) ablation were used to identify genes that regulate RGC regeneration. A single cell multiomics-informed screen of 100 genes identified seven knockouts that inhibited and 11 that promoted RGC regeneration. Surprisingly, 35 out of 36 genes known and/or implicated as being required for regeneration after widespread retinal damage were not required for RGC regeneration. The loss of seven even enhanced regeneration kinetics, including the proneural factors neurog1, olig2 and ascl1a. Mechanistic analyses revealed that ascl1a disruption increased the propensity of progenitor cells to produce RGCs, i.e. increased 'fate bias'. These data demonstrate plasticity in the mechanism through which Müller glia convert to a stem-like state and context specificity in how genes function during regeneration. Increased understanding of how the regeneration of disease-relevant cell types is specifically controlled will support the development of disease-tailored regenerative therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Emmerich
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- McKusick-Nathans Institute and the Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - John Hageter
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Thanh Hoang
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Pin Lyu
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Abigail V Sharrock
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Anneliese Ceisel
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - James Thierer
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Zeeshaan Chunawala
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Saumya Nimmagadda
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Isabella Palazzo
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Frazer Matthews
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Liyun Zhang
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - David T White
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Catalina Rodriguez
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Gianna Graziano
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Patrick Marcos
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Adam May
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Tim Mulligan
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Barak Reibman
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Meera T Saxena
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - David F Ackerley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Jiang Qian
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- McKusick-Nathans Institute and the Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Eric Horstick
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Jeff S Mumm
- Wilmer Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- McKusick-Nathans Institute and the Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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2
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Green ES, Chan HY, Frost E, Griffiths M, Hutchison J, Martin JH, Mihalas BP, Newman T, Dunleavy JEM. Recent advances in reproductive research in Australia and New Zealand: highlights from the Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology, 2022. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23213. [PMID: 38346692 DOI: 10.1071/rd23213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2022, the Society for Reproductive Biology came together in Christchurch New Zealand (NZ), for its first face-to-face meeting since the global COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting showcased recent advancements in reproductive research across a diverse range of themes relevant to human health and fertility, exotic species conservation, and agricultural breeding practices. Here, we highlight the key advances presented across the main themes of the meeting, including advances in addressing opportunities and challenges in reproductive health related to First Nations people in Australia and NZ; increasing conservation success of exotic species, including ethical management of invasive species; improvements in our understanding of developmental biology, specifically seminal fluid signalling, ovarian development and effects of environmental impacts such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals; and leveraging scientific breakthroughs in reproductive engineering to drive solutions for fertility, including in assisted reproductive technologies in humans and agricultural industries, and for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella S Green
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hon Y Chan
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Emily Frost
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Meaghan Griffiths
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia; and Gynaecology Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Jennifer Hutchison
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton Vic., Australia; and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; and Infertility and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Bettina P Mihalas
- The Oocyte Biology Research Unit, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of NSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Trent Newman
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jessica E M Dunleavy
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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3
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Chen Z, Zhang Y, Kwak-Kim J, Wang W. Memory regulatory T cells in pregnancy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1209706. [PMID: 37954599 PMCID: PMC10637476 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy requires the process of maternal immune tolerance to semi-allogeneic embryos. In contrast, an overreactive maternal immune system to embryo-specific antigens is likely to result in the rejection of embryos while damaging the invading placenta, such that the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes can be increased. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are capable of suppressing excessive immune responses and regulating immune homeostasis. When stimulating Tregs, specific antigens will differentiate into memory Tregs with long-term survival and rapid and powerful immune regulatory ability. Immunomodulatory effects mediated by memory Tregs at the maternal-fetal interface take on critical significance in a successful pregnancy. The impaired function of memory Tregs shows a correlation with various pregnancy complications (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and recurrent pregnancy losses). However, the differentiation process and characteristics of memory Tregs, especially their role in pregnancy, remain unclear. In this study, a review is presented in terms of memory Tregs differentiation and activation, the characteristics of memory Tregs and their role in pregnancy, and the correlation between memory Tregs and pregnancy complications. Furthermore, several potential therapeutic methods are investigated to restore the function of memory Tregs in accordance with immunopathologies arising from memory Tregs abnormalities and provide novel targets for diagnosing and treating pregnancy-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyang Chen
- School of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, United States
- Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Chan HY, Tran HM, Breen J, Schjenken JE, Robertson SA. The endometrial transcriptome transition preceding receptivity to embryo implantation in mice. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:590. [PMID: 37794337 PMCID: PMC10552439 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09698-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receptivity of the uterus is essential for embryo implantation and progression of mammalian pregnancy. Acquisition of receptivity involves major molecular and cellular changes in the endometrial lining of the uterus from a non-receptive state at ovulation, to a receptive state several days later. The precise molecular mechanisms underlying this transition and their upstream regulators remain to be fully characterized. Here, we aimed to generate a comprehensive profile of the endometrial transcriptome in the peri-ovulatory and peri-implantation states, to define the genes and gene pathways that are different between these states, and to identify new candidate upstream regulators of this transition, in the mouse. RESULTS High throughput RNA-sequencing was utilized to identify genes and pathways expressed in the endometrium of female C57Bl/6 mice at estrus and on day 3.5 post-coitum (pc) after mating with BALB/c males (n = 3-4 biological replicates). Compared to the endometrium at estrus, 388 genes were considered differentially expressed in the endometrium on day 3.5 post-coitum. The transcriptional changes indicated substantial modulation of uterine immune and vascular systems during the pre-implantation phase, with the functional terms Angiogenesis, Chemotaxis, and Lymphangiogenesis predominating. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software predicted the activation of several upstream regulators previously shown to be involved in the transition to receptivity including various cytokines, ovarian steroid hormones, prostaglandin E2, and vascular endothelial growth factor A. Our analysis also revealed four candidate upstream regulators that have not previously been implicated in the acquisition of uterine receptivity, with growth differentiation factor 2, lysine acetyltransferase 6 A, and N-6 adenine-specific DNA methyltransferase 1 predicted to be activated, and peptidylprolyl isomerase F predicted to be inhibited. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that the transcriptome of a receptive uterus is vastly different to the non-receptive uterus and identifies several genes, regulatory pathways, and upstream drivers not previously associated with implantation. The findings will inform further research to investigate the molecular mechanisms of uterine receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hon Yeung Chan
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Ha M Tran
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - James Breen
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
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5
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Gong J, Gong Y, Zou T, Zeng Y, Yang C, Mo L, Kang J, Fan X, Xu H, Yang J. A controllable perfusion microfluidic chip for facilitating the development of retinal ganglion cells in human retinal organoids. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:3820-3836. [PMID: 37496497 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00054k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Retinal organoids (ROs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have become a promising model in vitro to recapitulate human retinal development, which can be further employed to explore the mechanisms of retinal diseases. However, the current culture systems for ROs lack physiologically relevant microenvironments, such as controllable mechano-physiological cues and dynamic feedback between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM), which limits the accurate control of RO development. Therefore, we designed a controllable perfusion microfluidic chip (CPMC) with the advantages of precisely controlling fluidic shear stress (FSS) and oxygen concentration distribution in a human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived RO culture system. We found that ROs cultured under this system allow for expanding the retinal progenitor cell (RPC) pool, orchestrating the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) specification, and axon growth without disturbing the spatial and temporal patterning events at the early stage of RO development. Furthermore, RNA sequencing data revealed that the activation of voltage-gated ion channels and the increased expression of ECM components synergistically improve the growth of ROs and facilitate the differentiation of RGCs. This study elaborates on the advantages of the designed CPMC to promote RO growth and provide a controllable and reliable platform for the efficient maturity of RGCs in the ROs, promising applications in modeling RGC-related disorders, drug screening, and cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gong
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Yu Gong
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Ting Zou
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Yuxiao Zeng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Cao Yang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Lingyue Mo
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Jiahui Kang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 40038, China.
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
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Huang KC, Gomes C, Meyer JS. Retinal Ganglion Cells in a Dish: Current Strategies and Recommended Best Practices for Effective In Vitro Modeling of Development and Disease. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 281:83-102. [PMID: 36907969 PMCID: PMC10497719 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
The ability to derive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provides an extraordinary opportunity to study the development of RGCs as well as cellular mechanisms underlying their degeneration in optic neuropathies. In the past several years, multiple approaches have been established that allow for the generation of RGCs from hPSCs, with these methods greatly improved in more recent studies to yield mature RGCs that more faithfully recapitulate phenotypes within the eye. Nevertheless, numerous differences still remain between hPSC-RGCs and those found within the human eye, with these differences likely explained at least in part due to the environment in which hPSC-RGCs are grown. With the ultimate goal of generating hPSC-RGCs that most closely resemble those within the retina for proper studies of retinal development, disease modeling, as well as cellular replacement, we review within this manuscript the current effective approaches for the differentiation of hPSC-RGCs, as well as how they have been applied for the investigation of RGC neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma. Furthermore, we provide our opinions on the characteristics of RGCs necessary for their use as effective in vitro disease models and importantly, how these current systems should be improved to more accurately reflect disease states. The establishment of characteristics in differentiated hPSC-RGCs that more effectively mimic RGCs within the retina will not only enable their use as effective models of RGC development, but will also create a better disease model for the identification of mechanisms underlying the neurodegeneration of RGCs in disease states such as glaucoma, further facilitating the development of therapeutic approaches to rescue RGCs from degeneration in disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Chieh Huang
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Cátia Gomes
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Madani J, Aghebati-Maleki L, Gharibeh N, Pourakbari R, Yousefi M. Fetus, as an allograft, evades the maternal immunity. Transpl Immunol 2022; 75:101728. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2022.101728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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8
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Composition and effects of seminal plasma in the female reproductive tracts on implantation of human embryos. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113065. [PMID: 35550527 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of seminal plasma involves acting as a transport medium for sperm and as a means of communication between the reproductive tissues of the male and female. It is also a vital factor to prime the reproductive tracts of the female for optimal pregnancy. When the reproductive tract of the female is exposed to seminal plasma, serious alterations take place, enhancing pathogen and debris clearance observed in the uterus throughout mating. It is also capable of supporting embryo growth, promoting the receptivity of the uterus, and establishing tolerance to the semi-allogenic embryo. Moreover, seminal plasma is capable of regulating the functions of several female reproductive organs and providing an ideal condition for effective embryo implantation and pregnancy. It is believed that the health state of the offspring is affected by exposure to seminal plasma. For the treatment of infertility, assisted reproductive technologies have been extensively employed. The application of seminal plasma as a therapeutic approach to enhance the development of embryo competency and rate of implantation, receptivity of endometrium, and establishment of maternal immune tolerance in cycles of ART appears possible. Herein, current knowledge on the composition of seminal plasma and the physiological roles it possesses on various parts of the female reproductive tract are summarized. Moreover, the role of seminal plasma in the development of embryos, implantation, and the following fetal growth and survival have been reviewed in this article.
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Muralidhara P, Sood V, Vinayak Ashok V, Bansal K. Pregnancy and Tumour: The Parallels and Differences in Regulatory T Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:866937. [PMID: 35493450 PMCID: PMC9043683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.866937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunological tolerance plays a critical role during pregnancy as semi-allogeneic fetus must be protected from immune responses during the gestational period. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subpopulation of CD4+ T cells that express transcription factor Foxp3, are central to the maintenance of immunological tolerance and prevention of autoimmunity. Tregs are also known to accumulate at placenta in uterus during pregnancy, and they confer immunological tolerance at maternal-fetal interface by controlling the immune responses against alloantigens. Thus, uterine Tregs help in maintaining an environment conducive for survival of the fetus during gestation, and low frequency or dysfunction of Tregs is associated with recurrent spontaneous abortions and other pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia. Interestingly, there are many parallels in the development of placenta and solid tumours, and the tumour microenvironment is considered to be somewhat similar to that at maternal-fetal interface. Moreover, Tregs play a largely similar role in tumour immunity as they do at placenta- they create a tolerogenic system and suppress the immune responses against the cells within tumour and at maternal-fetal interface. In this review, we discuss the role of Tregs in supporting the proper growth of the embryo during pregnancy. We also highlight the similarities and differences between Tregs at maternal-fetal interface and tumour Tregs, in an attempt to draw a comparison between their roles in these two physiologic and pathologic states.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kushagra Bansal
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit (MBGU), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore, India
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10
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Rees A, Richards O, Chambers M, Jenkins BJ, Cronin JG, Thornton CA. Immunometabolic adaptation and immune plasticity in pregnancy and the bi-directional effects of obesity. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 208:132-146. [PMID: 35348641 PMCID: PMC9188350 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mandatory maternal metabolic and immunological changes are essential to pregnancy success. Parallel changes in metabolism and immune function make immunometabolism an attractive mechanism to enable dynamic immune adaptation during pregnancy. Immunometabolism is a burgeoning field with the underlying principle being that cellular metabolism underpins immune cell function. With whole body changes to the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and lipids well recognised to occur in pregnancy and our growing understanding of immunometabolism as a determinant of immunoinflammatory effector responses, it would seem reasonable to expect immune plasticity during pregnancy to be linked to changes in the availability and handling of multiple nutrient energy sources by immune cells. While studies of immunometabolism in pregnancy are only just beginning, the recognised bi-directional interaction between metabolism and immune function in the metabolic disorder obesity might provide some of the earliest insights into the role of immunometabolism in immune plasticity in pregnancy. Characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation including in pregnant women, obesity is associated with numerous adverse outcomes during pregnancy and beyond for both mother and child. Concurrent changes in metabolism and immunoinflammation are consistently described but any causative link is not well established. Here we provide an overview of the metabolic and immunological changes that occur in pregnancy and how these might contribute to healthy versus adverse pregnancy outcomes with special consideration of possible interactions with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Rees
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Oliver Richards
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Megan Chambers
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Benjamin J Jenkins
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK
| | - James G Cronin
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Catherine A Thornton
- Corresponding author: Cathy Thornton, ILS1, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Campus, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK.
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11
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Robertson SA, Martin GB. Perspective: Re-defining “Pheromone” in a Mammalian Context to Encompass Seminal Fluid. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:819246. [PMID: 35127886 PMCID: PMC8811212 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.819246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The classical view of “pheromone”—an air-borne chemical signal—is challenged by the camelids in which ovulation is triggered by ß-nerve growth factor carried in seminal plasma, effectively extending the pheromone concept to a new medium. We propose further extension of “pheromone” to include a separate class of seminal fluid molecules that acts on the female reproductive tract to enhance the prospect of pregnancy. These molecules include transforming growth factor-ß, 19-OH prostaglandins, various ligands of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), and cyclic ADP ribose hydrolase (CD38). They modulate the immune response to “foreign” male-derived histocompatibility antigens on both sperm and the conceptus, determine pre-implantation embryo development, and then promote implantation by increasing uterine receptivity to the embryo. The relative abundance of these immunological molecules in seminal plasma determines the strength and quality of the immune tolerance that is generated in the female. This phenomenon has profound implications in reproductive biology because it provides a pathway, independent of the fertilizing sperm, by which paternal factors can influence the likelihood of reproductive success, as well as the phenotype and health status of offspring. Moreover, the female actively participates in this exchange—information in seminal fluid is subject to “cryptic female choice,” a process by which females interrogate the reproductive fitness of prospective mates and invest reproductive resources accordingly. These processes participate in driving the evolution of male accessory glands, ensuring optimal female reproductive investment and maximal progeny fitness. An expanded pheromone concept will avoid a constraint in our understanding of mammalian reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Graeme B. Martin
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, UWA Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Graeme B. Martin
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12
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Toll-like receptor-4 null mutation causes fetal loss and fetal growth restriction associated with impaired maternal immune tolerance in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16569. [PMID: 34400677 PMCID: PMC8368181 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune adaptation to accommodate pregnancy depends on sufficient availability of regulatory T (Treg) cells to enable embryo implantation. Toll-like receptor 4 is implicated as a key upstream driver of a controlled inflammatory response, elicited by signals in male partner seminal fluid, to initiate expansion of the maternal Treg cell pool after mating. Here, we report that mice with null mutation in Tlr4 (Tlr4−/−) exhibit impaired reproductive outcomes after allogeneic mating, with reduced pregnancy rate, elevated mid-gestation fetal loss, and fetal growth restriction, compared to Tlr4+/+ wild-type controls. To investigate the effects of TLR4 deficiency on early events of maternal immune adaptation, TLR4-regulated cytokines and immune regulatory microRNAs were measured in the uterus at 8 h post-mating by qPCR, and Treg cells in uterus-draining lymph nodes were evaluated by flow cytometry on day 3.5 post-coitum. Ptgs2 encoding prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, cytokines Csf2, Il6, Lif, and Tnf, chemokines Ccl2, Cxcl1, Cxcl2, and Cxcl10, and microRNAs miR-155, miR-146a, and miR-223 were induced by mating in wild-type mice, but not, or to a lesser extent, in Tlr4−/− mice. CD4+ T cells were expanded after mating in Tlr4+/+ but not Tlr4−/− mice, with failure to expand peripheral CD25+FOXP3+ NRP1− or thymic CD25+FOXP3+ NRP1+ Treg cell populations, and fewer Treg cells expressed Ki67 proliferation marker and suppressive function marker CTLA4. We conclude that TLR4 is an essential mediator of the inflammation-like response in the pre-implantation uterus that induces generation of Treg cells to support robust pregnancy tolerance and ensure optimal fetal growth and survival.
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13
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Sperm modulate uterine immune parameters relevant to embryo implantation and reproductive success in mice. Commun Biol 2021; 4:572. [PMID: 33990675 PMCID: PMC8121928 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02038-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal fluid factors modulate the female immune response at conception to facilitate embryo implantation and reproductive success. Whether sperm affect this response has not been clear. We evaluated global gene expression by microarray in the mouse uterus after mating with intact or vasectomized males. Intact males induced greater changes in gene transcription, prominently affecting pro-inflammatory cytokine and immune regulatory genes, with TLR4 signaling identified as a top-ranked upstream driver. Recruitment of neutrophils and expansion of peripheral regulatory T cells were elevated by seminal fluid of intact males. In vitro, epididymal sperm induced IL6, CXCL2, and CSF3 in uterine epithelial cells of wild-type, but not Tlr4 null females. Collectively these experiments show that sperm assist in promoting female immune tolerance by eliciting uterine cytokine expression through TLR4-dependent signaling. The findings indicate a biological role for sperm beyond oocyte fertilization, in modulating immune mechanisms involved in female control of reproductive investment.
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14
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Lu L, Wang J, Yang Q, Xie X, Huang Y. The role of CD38 in HIV infection. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:11. [PMID: 33820568 PMCID: PMC8021004 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00330-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The widely-expressed molecule CD38 is a single-stranded type II transmembrane glycoprotein that is mainly involved in regulating the differentiation and activation state of the cell. CD38 has broad and complex functions, including enzymatic activity, intercellular signal transduction, cell activation, cytokine production, receptor function and adhesion activity, and it plays an important role in the physiological and pathological processes of many diseases. Many studies have shown that CD38 is related to the occurrence and development of HIV infection, and CD38 may regulate its progression through different mechanisms. Therefore, investigating the role of CD38 in HIV infection and the potential signaling pathways that are involved may provide a new perspective on potential treatments for HIV infection. In the present review, the current understanding of the roles CD38 plays in HIV infection are summarized. In addition, the specific role of CD38 in the process of HIV infection of human CD4+ T lymphocytes is also discussed.
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15
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Tamessar CT, Trigg NA, Nixon B, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Sharkey DJ, Robertson SA, Bromfield EG, Schjenken JE. Roles of male reproductive tract extracellular vesicles in reproduction. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13338. [PMID: 32885533 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted cell-derived membrane structures present in all organisms across animal, bacterial, and plant phyla. These vesicles play important roles in cell-cell communication in many processes integral to health and disease. Recent studies demonstrate that EVs and their cargo have influential and conserved roles in male reproduction. While EVs have been isolated from virtually all specialized tissues comprising the male reproductive tract, they are best characterized in the epididymis (epididymosomes) and seminal fluid (seminal fluid extracellular vesicles or prostasomes). Broadly speaking, EVs promote reproductive success through supporting sperm development and function, as well as influencing the physiology of female reproductive tract cells after mating. In this review, we present current knowledge on the composition and function of male reproductive tract EV populations in both normal physiology and pathology, and argue that their functions identify them as critical regulators of fertility and fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cottrell T Tamessar
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Sharkey
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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16
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Yasuda I, Shima T, Moriya T, Ikebuchi R, Kusumoto Y, Ushijima A, Nakashima A, Tomura M, Saito S. Dynamic Changes in the Phenotype of Dendritic Cells in the Uterus and Uterine Draining Lymph Nodes After Coitus. Front Immunol 2020; 11:557720. [PMID: 33013926 PMCID: PMC7516021 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.557720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are essential for successful embryo implantation. However, the properties of uterine DCs (uDCs) during the implantation period are not well characterized. In this study, we investigated the dynamic changes in the uDC phenotypes during the period between coitus and implantation. In virgin mice, we evaluated the expressions of CD103 and XCR1, this is the first report to demonstrate uDCs expressing CD103 in XCR1+cDC1s and XCR1+cDC2s. On day 0.5 post coitus (pc), the number of uterine CD11c+CD103–MHC classIIhighCD86high–mature DCs rapidly increased and then decreased to non-pregnancy levels on days 1.5 and 2.5 pc. On day 3.5 pc just before implantation, the number of CD11c+CD103+MHC class IIdimCD86dim–immature DCs increased in the uterus. The increase in mature uDCs on day 1.5 pc was observed in both allogeneic- and syngeneic mating, suggesting that sexual intercourse, or semen, play a role in this process. Meanwhile, the increase in immature uDCs on day 3.5 pc was only observed in allogeneic mating, suggesting that allo-antigens in the semen contribute to this process. Next, to understand the turnover and migration of uDCs, we monitored DC movement in the uterus and uterine draining lymph nodes (dLNs) using photoconvertible protein Kikume Green Red (KikGR) mice. On day 0.5 pc, uDCs were composed of equal numbers of remaining DCs and migratory DCs. However, on day 3.5 pc, uDCs were primarily composed of migratory DCs, suggesting that most of the uDCs migrate from the periphery just before implantation. Finally, we studied the expression of PD-L2—which induces immunoregulation—on DCs. On day 3.5 pc, PD-L2 was expressed on CD103+-mature and CD103–-mature DCs in the uterus. However, PD-L2 expression on CD103–-immature DCs and CD103+-immature DCs was very low. Furthermore, both remaining and migratory DCs in the uterus and uterus-derived-DCs in the dLNs on day 3.5 pc highly expressed PD-L2 on their surface. Therefore, our study findings provide a better understanding of the dynamic changes occurring in uterine DCs and dLNs in preparation for implantation following allogeneic- and syngeneic mating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ippei Yasuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.,Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Taiki Moriya
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryoyo Ikebuchi
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Osaka, Japan.,Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kusumoto
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akemi Ushijima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Nakashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Michio Tomura
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigeru Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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17
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Abstract
CD38 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is widely expressed in a variety of human tissues and cells, especially those in the immune system. CD38 protein was previously considered as a cell activation marker, and today monoclonal antibodies targeting CD38 have witnessed great achievements in multiple myeloma and promoted researchers to conduct research on other tumors. In this review, we provide a wide-ranging review of the biology and function of the human molecule outside the field of myeloma. We focus mainly on current research findings to summarize and update the findings gathered from diverse areas of study. Based on these findings, we attempt to extend the role of CD38 in the context of therapy of solid tumors and expand the role of the molecule from a simple marker to an immunomodulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Li
- Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Rui Yang
- Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Limo Chen
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009 USA
| | - Sufang Wu
- Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
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18
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Nikolaeva M, Arefieva A, Babayan A, Chagovets V, Kitsilovskaya N, Starodubtseva N, Frankevich V, Kalinina E, Krechetova L, Sukhikh G. Immunoendocrine Markers of Stress in Seminal Plasma at IVF/ICSI Failure: a Preliminary Study. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:144-158. [PMID: 32638280 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00253-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that high level of seminal interleukin (IL)-18 is positively associated with a greater risk of pregnancy failure in women exposed to their partners' seminal plasma (SP) during the in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle. Since IL-18 and IL-1β considered to be the key immune markers of stress, here we ask whether their increase in SP may be due to the stress experienced by men engaged in the IVF programs. Therefore, we correlated seminal IL-18 with IL-1β and both cytokines with the seminal steroids, whose increase indicates the activation of neuroendocrine stress response systems. Retrospective analysis of stored seminal samples was performed. Based on previously identified cutoff level for content of IL-18 per ejaculate, samples with high IL-18 content from IVF failure group (n = 9), as well as samples with low IL-18 content from IVF success group (n = 7), were included in the study. Seminal cytokines were evaluated using FlowCytomix™ technology. A set of 16 biologically active steroids in SP was quantified by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Concentrations and total amounts per ejaculate of cytokines and steroids were determined. A positive significant correlation was found between the levels of IL-18 and IL-1β. There was also a positive correlation between IL-18 or IL-1β and 17-α-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and the ratio of DHEAS/cortisol. We suggested that stress-related overexpression of immune and hormonal factors in SP may be the key link between male stress and embryo implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Nikolaeva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997.
| | - Alla Arefieva
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Alina Babayan
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Vitaliy Chagovets
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Natalia Kitsilovskaya
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Natalia Starodubtseva
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy per. 9, Dolgoprudny, Moscow, Russia, 141701
| | - Vladimir Frankevich
- Department of Systems Biology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Elena Kalinina
- Department of Assisted Technologies in Treatment of Infertility, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Lubov Krechetova
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997
| | - Gennady Sukhikh
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Oparina str. 4, Moscow, Russia, 117997.,First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov, Trubetskaya str. 8-2, Moscow, Russia, 119991
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19
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Age-related immune-modulating properties of seminal fluid that control the severity of asthma are gender specific. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:707-723. [PMID: 30677748 PMCID: PMC6366957 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive organs play a pivotal role in asthma development and progression, especially in women. Endocrine environment changes associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can exacerbate the clinical features of asthma. Factors secreted by reproductive organs may be responsible for the gender difference and age-related changes in adult asthma. Here, we show that mammalian seminal fluid has anti-asthma effects exclusively in females. Exposure to murine seminal fluid markedly reduced eosinophilic airway inflammation in 2-month-old female mice upon ovalbumin inhalation. The anti-asthma effect with seminal fluid from 10-month-old males was double that with fluid from 2-month-old males, suggesting that it depended on male sexual maturation. We further found that seminal fluid from middle-aged human volunteers had beneficial effects in asthmatic female mice; these effects were associated with transcriptional repression of osteopontin and IL-17A, which are poor prognostic factors for asthma. In 2-month-old male mice, however, human seminal fluid failed to decrease asthmatic features and even enhanced osteopontin and IL-17A transcription. Our data demonstrate that age-related seminal fluid exerts opposing effects in asthmatic male and female mice. These findings may help the development of novel approaches to control the prevalence and age-related progression of asthma in women.
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20
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Calabretta E, Carlo-Stella C. The Many Facets of CD38 in Lymphoma: From Tumor-Microenvironment Cell Interactions to Acquired Resistance to Immunotherapy. Cells 2020; 9:E802. [PMID: 32225002 PMCID: PMC7226059 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The CD38 antigen is expressed in several hematological malignancies, and the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies Daratumumab and Isatuximab have an established role in the therapy of multiple myeloma. However, data on the therapeutic utility of CD38 targeting in other lymphoid malignancies are limited. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the prognostic significance of CD38 expression is well accepted, and preclinical studies on the use of Daratumumab in monotherapy or combination therapy have demonstrated considerable efficacy. In other lymphoproliferative disorders, preclinical and clinical data have not been as compelling; however, CD38 overexpression likely contributes to resistance to checkpoint inhibitors, prompting numerous clinical trials in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma to investigate whether blocking CD38 enhances the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors. Furthermore, due to its widespread expression in hematological tumors, CD38 represents an attractive target for cellular therapies such as CAR-T cells. The present review discusses current knowledge of CD38 expression and its implications in various lymphoid malignancies. Furthermore, it addresses current and future therapeutic perspectives, with a particular emphasis on the significance of CD38 interaction with immune cells of the tumor microenvironment. Lastly, results of ongoing studies using anti-CD38 antibodies will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Calabretta
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, 20089 Milano, Italy;
| | - Carmelo Carlo-Stella
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, 20089 Milano, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, 20089 Milano, Italy
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21
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Abstract
Seminal fluid is often assumed to have just one function in mammalian reproduction, delivering sperm to fertilize oocytes. But seminal fluid also transmits signaling agents that interact with female reproductive tissues to facilitate conception and .pregnancy. Upon seminal fluid contact, female tissues initiate a controlled inflammatory response that affects several aspects of reproductive function to ultimately maximize the chances of a male producing healthy offspring. This effect is best characterized in mice, where the female response involves several steps. Initially, seminal fluid factors cause leukocytes to infiltrate the female reproductive tract, and to selectively target and eliminate excess sperm. Other signals stimulate ovulation, induce an altered transcriptional program in female tract tissues that modulates embryo developmental programming, and initiate immune adaptations to promote receptivity to implantation and placental development. A key result is expansion of the pool of regulatory T cells that assist implantation by suppressing inflammation, mediating tolerance to male transplantation antigens, and promoting uterine vascular adaptation and placental development. Principal signaling agents in seminal fluid include prostaglandins and transforming growth factor-β. The balance of male signals affects the nature of the female response, providing a mechanism of ‟cryptic female choiceˮ that influences female reproductive investment. Male-female seminal fluid signaling is evident in all mammalian species investigated including human, and effects of seminal fluid in invertebrates indicate evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. Understanding the female response to seminal fluid will shed new light on infertility and pregnancy disorders and is critical to defining how events at conception influence offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Schjenken
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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22
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Morandi F, Airoldi I, Marimpietri D, Bracci C, Faini AC, Gramignoli R. CD38, a Receptor with Multifunctional Activities: From Modulatory Functions on Regulatory Cell Subsets and Extracellular Vesicles, to a Target for Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2019; 8:E1527. [PMID: 31783629 PMCID: PMC6953043 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CD38 is a multifunctional cell surface protein endowed with receptor/enzymatic functions. The protein is generally expressed at low/intermediate levels on hematological tissues and some solid tumors, scoring the highest levels on plasma cells (PC) and PC-derived neoplasia. CD38 was originally described as a receptor expressed by activated cells, mainly T lymphocytes, wherein it also regulates cell adhesion and cooperates in signal transduction mediated by major receptor complexes. Furthermore, CD38 metabolizes extracellular NAD+, generating ADPR and cyclic ADPR. This ecto-enzyme controls extra-cellular nucleotide homeostasis and intra-cellular calcium fluxes, stressing its relevance in multiple physiopathological conditions (infection, tumorigenesis and aging). In clinics, CD38 was adopted as a cell activation marker and in the diagnostic/staging of leukemias. Quantitative surface CD38 expression by multiple myeloma (MM) cells was the basic criterion used for therapeutic application of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Anti-CD38 mAbs-mediated PC depletion in autoimmunity and organ transplants is currently under investigation. This review analyzes different aspects of CD38's role in regulatory cell populations and how these effects are obtained. Characterizing CD38 functional properties may widen the extension of therapeutic applications for anti-CD38 mAbs. The availability of therapeutic mAbs with different effects on CD38 enzymatic functions may be rapidly translated to immunotherapeutic strategies of cell immune defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Morandi
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (I.A.); (D.M.)
| | - Irma Airoldi
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (I.A.); (D.M.)
| | - Danilo Marimpietri
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Cell Therapy, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (I.A.); (D.M.)
| | - Cristiano Bracci
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.B.); (A.C.F.)
- CeRMS, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Angelo Corso Faini
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (C.B.); (A.C.F.)
| | - Roberto Gramignoli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
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23
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Vojtech L, Zhang M, Davé V, Levy C, Hughes SM, Wang R, Calienes F, Prlic M, Nance E, Hladik F. Extracellular vesicles in human semen modulate antigen-presenting cell function and decrease downstream antiviral T cell responses. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223901. [PMID: 31622420 PMCID: PMC6797208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human semen contains trillions of extracellular vesicles (SEV) similar in size to sexually transmitted viruses and loaded with potentially bioactive miRNAs, proteins and lipids. SEV were shown to inhibit HIV and Zika virus infectivity, but whether SEV are able also to affect subsequent immune responses is unknown. We found that SEV efficiently bound to and entered antigen-presenting cells (APC) and thus we set out to further dissect the impact of SEV on APC function and the impact on downstream T cell responses. In an APC–T cell co-culture system, SEV exposure to APC alone markedly reduced antigen-specific cytokine production, degranulation and cytotoxicity by antigen-specific memory CD8+ T cells. In contrast, inhibition of CD4+ T cell responses required both APC and T cell exposure to SEV. Surprisingly, SEV did not alter MHC or co-stimulatory receptor expression on APCs, but caused APCs to upregulate indoleamine 2,3 deoxygenase, an enzyme known to indirectly inhibit T cells. Thus, SEV reduce the ability of APCs to activate T cells. We propose here that these immune-inhibitory properties of SEV may be intended to prevent immune responses against semen-derived antigens, but can be hi-jacked by genitally acquired viral infections to compromise adaptive cellular immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Vojtech
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (LV); (FH)
| | - Mengying Zhang
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Veronica Davé
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Claire Levy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Sean M. Hughes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ruofan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Fernanda Calienes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Martin Prlic
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Nance
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Florian Hladik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (LV); (FH)
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Schumacher A, Sharkey DJ, Robertson SA, Zenclussen AC. Immune Cells at the Fetomaternal Interface: How the Microenvironment Modulates Immune Cells To Foster Fetal Development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 201:325-334. [PMID: 29987001 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1800058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells adapt their phenotypic and functional characteristics in response to the tissue microenvironment within which they traffic and reside. The fetomaternal interface, consisting of placental trophoblasts and the maternal decidua, is a highly specialized tissue with a unique and time-limited function: to nourish and support development of the semiallogeneic fetus and protect it from inflammatory or immune-mediated injury. It is therefore important to understand how immune cells within these tissues are educated and adapt to fulfill their biological functions. This review article focuses on the local regulatory mechanisms ensuring that both innate and adaptive immune cells appropriately support the early events of implantation and placental development through direct involvement in promoting immune tolerance of fetal alloantigens, suppressing inflammation, and remodeling of maternal uterine vessels to facilitate optimal placental function and fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schumacher
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39108, Germany; and
| | - David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Ana C Zenclussen
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39108, Germany; and
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25
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Hogan KA, Chini CCS, Chini EN. The Multi-faceted Ecto-enzyme CD38: Roles in Immunomodulation, Cancer, Aging, and Metabolic Diseases. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1187. [PMID: 31214171 PMCID: PMC6555258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CD38 (Cluster of Differentiation 38) is a multifunctional ecto-enzyme that metabolizes NAD+ and mediates nicotinamide dinucleotide (NAD+) and extracellular nucleotide homeostasis as well as intracellular calcium. CD38 is also an emerging therapeutic target under conditions in which metabolism is altered including infection, aging, and tumorigenesis. We describe multiple enzymatic activities of CD38, which may explain the breadth of biological roles observed for this enzyme. Of greatest significance is the role of CD38 as an ecto-enzyme capable of modulating extracellular NAD+ precursor availability: 1 to bacteria unable to perform de novo synthesis of NAD+; and 2 in aged parenchyma impacted by the accumulation of immune cells during the process of ‘inflammaging’. We also discuss the paradoxical role of CD38 as a modulator of intracellular NAD+, particularly in tumor immunity. Finally, we provide a summary of therapeutic approaches to CD38 inhibition and ‘NAD+ boosting’ for treatment of metabolic dysfunction observed during aging and in tumor immunity. The present review summarizes the role of CD38 in nicotinamide nucleotide homeostasis with special emphasis on the role of CD38 as an immunomodulator and druggable target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Hogan
- Signal Transduction and Molecular Nutrition Laboratory, Kogod Center on Aging, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Claudia C S Chini
- Signal Transduction and Molecular Nutrition Laboratory, Kogod Center on Aging, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Eduardo N Chini
- Signal Transduction and Molecular Nutrition Laboratory, Kogod Center on Aging, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
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26
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Torrealba MP, Manfrere KC, Miyashiro DR, Lima JF, de M Oliveira L, Pereira NZ, Cury-Martins J, Pereira J, Duarte AJS, Sato MN, Sanches JA. Chronic activation profile of circulating CD8+ T cells in Sézary syndrome. Oncotarget 2017; 9:3497-3506. [PMID: 29423061 PMCID: PMC5790478 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sézary syndrome (SS) is a leukemic variant of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), and the neoplastic CD4+ T cells of SS patients undergo intense clonal proliferation. Although Sézary cells have been studied extensively, studies on adaptive immunity regarding CD8+T cells are scarce. This study aimed to investigate activation marker expression in CD8+ T cells according to the differentiation stages and IL-7/IL7Rα axis responses of patients with SS. Moreover, this study aimed to verify the soluble forms of CD38, sCD127 and IL-7 in serum. Although the SS patients of our cohort had reduced numbers of CD8+ T cells, they exhibited higher percentages of CD8+CD38+ T cells, mainly effector/memory CD8+ T cells, than the control group. In contrast, down-regulated expression of the activation markers CD127/IL-7R and CD26 was found in the CD8+ T cells of SS patients. High serum levels of sCD38 and sCD127 and scarce serum levels of IL-7 were detected, emphasizing the immune activation status of SS patients. Moreover, CD8+ T cells from SS patients exhibited IL-7 unresponsiveness to STAT5 phosphorylation and Bcl-2 expression, and IL-7 priming partially restored IFNγ production. Our findings showed a chronic activation profile of CD8+ T cells, as an attenuated cytotoxic profile and impaired IL-7 responsiveness was observed, suggesting chronic activation status of CD8+ T cells in SS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Passos Torrealba
- Medical Investigation Laboratory (LIM-56), Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kelly Cristina Manfrere
- Medical Investigation Laboratory (LIM-56), Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denis R Miyashiro
- Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic, Hospital das Clinicas, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Josenilson F Lima
- Medical Investigation Laboratory (LIM-56), Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana de M Oliveira
- Medical Investigation Laboratory (LIM-56), Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nátalli Z Pereira
- Medical Investigation Laboratory (LIM-56), Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jade Cury-Martins
- Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic, Hospital das Clinicas, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Pereira
- Hematology Department, Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alberto J S Duarte
- Medical Investigation Laboratory (LIM-56), Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria N Sato
- Medical Investigation Laboratory (LIM-56), Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José A Sanches
- Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic, Hospital das Clinicas, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
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Nederlof I, Meuleman T, van der Hoorn M, Claas F, Eikmans M. The seed to success: The role of seminal plasma in pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol 2017; 123:24-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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28
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Bromfield JJ. A role for seminal plasma in modulating pregnancy outcomes in domestic species. Reproduction 2016; 152:R223-R232. [PMID: 27601714 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma is a complex fluid produced by the accessory glands of the male reproductive tract. Seminal plasma acts primarily as a transport medium for sperm on its arduous journey through the male and then female reproductive tract following ejaculation. This spermatozoan expedition will hopefully result in the meeting of and resultant fertilization of an oocyte, perpetuating the genetic lineage of both sexes. Whereas seminal plasma has historically been perceived as only a transport medium providing a nutrient-rich fluid environment for sperm during this exchange of genetic material, new insights into a complex communication pathway between males and females has been unraveled in the past 30 years. This new research suggests seminal plasma as a method to promote early pregnancy success by modulating cellular and molecular adaptions of the maternal environment required to facilitate healthy, successful pregnancy outcomes. Whereas much work on this exciting new communication process has focused on mice and translation to human reproduction, here we review the current evidence in domestic species where artificial insemination in the absence of seminal plasma is routine. Improving artificial insemination in domestic species to optimize offspring health and productivity could have far-reaching impacts on agriculturally relevant species such as cattle, sheep, pigs and horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Bromfield
- D H Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research ProgramDepartment of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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29
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Robertson SA, Sharkey DJ. Seminal fluid and fertility in women. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:511-9. [PMID: 27485480 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.1101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Seminal fluid is often viewed as simply a vehicle to carry sperm to fertilize the oocyte, but a more complex function in influencing female reproductive physiology is now evident. Remarkably, seminal fluid contains soluble and exosome-born signaling agents that interact with the female reproductive tract to prime the immune response, with consequences for fertility and pregnancy outcome. Experiments in rodent models demonstrate a key role for seminal fluid in enabling robust embryo implantation and optimal placental development. In particular, seminal fluid promotes leukocyte recruitment and generation of regulatory T cells, which facilitate embryo implantation by suppressing inflammation, assisting uterine vascular adaptation, and sustaining tolerance of fetal antigens. There is emerging evidence of comparable effects in women, where seminal fluid provokes an adaptive immune response in the cervical tissues after contact at intercourse, and spermatozoa accessing the higher tract potentially affect the endometrium directly. These biological responses may have clinical significance, explaining why [1] intercourse in IVF ET cycles improves the likelihood of pregnancy, [2] inflammatory disorders of gestation are more common in women who conceive after limited exposure to seminal fluid of the prospective father, and [3] preeclampsia incidence is elevated after use of donor oocytes or donor sperm where prior contact with conceptus alloantigens has not occurred. It will be important to define the mechanisms through which seminal fluid interacts with female reproductive tissues, to provide knowledge that may assist in preconception planning and infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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30
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Seminal plasma induces inflammation in the uterus through the γδ T/IL-17 pathway. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25118. [PMID: 27109934 PMCID: PMC4842971 DOI: 10.1038/srep25118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
After insemination, a large number of leukocytes migrate into the uterus, which is accompanied by intense inflammation. However, the details of how seminal plasma interacts with the uterus are still not very clear. Here, we present that neutrophils migrate and accumulate around the uterine epithelium following insemination, which is accompanied by an increase in interleukin (IL) 17A levels. Additionally, we find that γδ T cells are the major source of IL-17A, and the seminal plasma could induce the γδ T cells to secret IL-17A. Blocking IL-17A could reduce the number of neutrophils in the uterus and prevent them from migrating to the epithelium by decreasing the chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL5. Blocking IL-17A did not affect the Th1/Th2 balance but actually diminished the inflammation in the uterus by reducing the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α. In summary, we found a new mechanism by which seminal plasma could influence the inflammation in the uterus through the γδ T/IL-17 pathway to regulate the expression of various chemokines and cytokines.
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31
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de Carvalho PG, de Oliveira Rodrigues R, Ribeiro da Silva SF, Ribeiro IF, de Miranda Lucena HB, Martins LRC, Rabenhorst SH, de Arruda ÉAG, Nagao-Dias AT. CD38+CD8+ and CD38+CD4+ T Cells and IFN Gamma (+874) Polymorphism Are Associated with a Poor Virological Outcome. Immunol Invest 2016; 45:312-27. [PMID: 27100997 DOI: 10.3109/08820139.2016.1157603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of the work was to evaluate the use of CD38 on T lymphocytes, IFNγ (+874 A/T), and IL-10 (-1082 A/G) polymorphisms in HIV-infected patients under antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Sixty-one patients were selected at the outpatient clinic for HIV infection at the Hospital São José de Doenças Infecciosas, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. The patients were classified into two groups, according to viral load after one year of ARV therapy. In the aviremic group (group I), a reduction of 35.5% of CD38+CD4+ T cells was observed (p = 0.02) and 49.3% of CD38+CD8+ T cells (p = 0.001). In the viremic group (group II), a reduction of 37.2% of CD38+CD4+ T cells (p = 0.067), and 21.4% of CD38+CD8+ T cells (p = 0.60) occurred. No association was found between IL-10 (-1082) polymorphism and the type of response to ARV therapy. Regarding the gene polymorphism on IFNγ (+874 T/A), 73.34% of group I and 33.3% of group II presented the AA genotype. The relative risk of the individuals carrying AA genotype or the A allele and not being able to suppress the viral load level after one year of ARV therapy was 3.44 (1.25-9.45; p = 0.014) or 2.35 (1.05-5.26; p = 0.027), respectively. Our data suggested that an augmented frequency of activated CD38+CD8+ T cells as well as the presence of the A allele of IFNγ polymorphism could contribute to a reduced virological suppression in patients under antiretroviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Germano de Carvalho
- a Centro de Ciências da Saúde , Universidade de Fortaleza , Ceará , Brazil.,b Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas , Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Ceará , Fortaleza , Ceará , Brazil
| | - Raphael de Oliveira Rodrigues
- b Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas , Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Ceará , Fortaleza , Ceará , Brazil
| | - Silvia Fernandes Ribeiro da Silva
- a Centro de Ciências da Saúde , Universidade de Fortaleza , Ceará , Brazil.,c Laboratório de Histocompatibilidade e Imunologia de Transplantes do Centro de Pesquisas em Doenças Hepato Renais, Hemocentro , Fortaleza , Ceará , Brazil
| | - Ilana Farias Ribeiro
- c Laboratório de Histocompatibilidade e Imunologia de Transplantes do Centro de Pesquisas em Doenças Hepato Renais, Hemocentro , Fortaleza , Ceará , Brazil
| | | | | | - Silvia Helena Rabenhorst
- e Departamento de Patologia e de Medicina Legal , Universidade Federal do Ceará , Fortaleza , Ceará , Brazil
| | | | - Aparecida Tiemi Nagao-Dias
- b Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas , Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Ceará , Fortaleza , Ceará , Brazil
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32
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Craenmehr MHC, Heidt S, Eikmans M, Claas FHJ. What is wrong with the regulatory T cells and foetomaternal tolerance in women with recurrent miscarriages? HLA 2016; 87:69-78. [PMID: 26841054 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Couples of whom the woman has had a miscarriage have two major concerns: the cause and possible risk of recurrence. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of cases of recurrent miscarriage (RM) remain unexplained despite detailed investigation. Because data suggest that regulatory T cells (Treg) are involved in the maternal acceptance of the allogeneic foetus, RM could possibly be explained by a disturbance of the Treg network. The possible role of Tregs in RM is described in this review, as well as their potential application in diagnostics and therapeutic intervention trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H C Craenmehr
- Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - S Heidt
- Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M Eikmans
- Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - F H J Claas
- Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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33
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da Silva BF, Meng C, Helm D, Pachl F, Schiller J, Ibrahim E, Lynne CM, Brackett NL, Bertolla RP, Kuster B. Towards Understanding Male Infertility After Spinal Cord Injury Using Quantitative Proteomics. Mol Cell Proteomics 2016; 15:1424-34. [PMID: 26814186 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.052175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of male infertility after spinal cord injury (SCI) has enhanced the understanding of seminal plasma (SP) as an important regulator of spermatozoa function. However, the most important factors leading to the diminished sperm motility and viability observed in semen of men with SCI remained unknown. Thus, to explore SP related molecular mechanisms underlying infertility after SCI, we used mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics to compare SP retrieved from SCI patients to normal controls. As a result, we present an in-depth characterization of the human SP proteome, identifying ∼2,800 individual proteins, and describe, in detail, the differential proteome observed in SCI. Our analysis demonstrates that a hyper-activation of the immune system may influence some seminal processes, which likely are not triggered by microbial infection. Moreover, we show evidence of an important prostate gland functional failure,i.e.diminished abundance of metabolic enzymes related to ATP turnover and those secreted via prostasomes. Further we identify the main outcome related to this fact and that it is intrinsically linked to the low sperm motility in SCI. Together, our data highlights the molecular pathways hindering fertility in SCI and shed new light on other causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ferreira da Silva
- From the ‡Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery São Paulo Federal University, Brazil
| | - Chen Meng
- §Chair for Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Dominic Helm
- §Chair for Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Fiona Pachl
- §Chair for Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schiller
- ¶Medical Department, Institute of Medical Physics, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Emad Ibrahim
- ‖The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis,University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Charles M Lynne
- **Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Nancy L Brackett
- ‖The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis,University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- From the ‡Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery São Paulo Federal University, Brazil
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- §Chair for Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany; ‡‡Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), §§Bavarian Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
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Nehar-Belaid D, Courau T, Dérian N, Florez L, Ruocco MG, Klatzmann D. Regulatory T Cells Orchestrate Similar Immune Evasion of Fetuses and Tumors in Mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 196:678-90. [PMID: 26643476 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Embryos and tumors are both masses of dividing cells expressing foreign Ags, but they are not rejected by the immune system. We hypothesized that similar tolerogenic mechanisms prevent their rejection. Global comparison of fetal and tumor microenvironments through transcriptomics in mice revealed strikingly similar and dramatic decreases in expression of numerous immune-related pathways, including Ag presentation and T cell signaling. Unsupervised analyses highlighted the parallel kinetics and similarities of immune signature downregulation, from the very first days after tumor or embryo implantation. Besides upregulated signatures related to cell proliferation, the only significant signatures shared by the two conditions across all biological processes and all time points studied were downmodulated immune response signatures. Regulatory T cell depletion completely reverses this immune downmodulation to an immune upregulation that leads to fetal or tumor immune rejection. We propose that evolutionarily selected mechanisms that protect mammalian fetuses from immune attack are hijacked to license tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djamel Nehar-Belaid
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université Paris 06, Laboratoire I3 (Immunologie-Immunopathologie-Immunothérapie), F-75013 Paris, France; INSERM, UMR_S 959, F-75013 Paris, France; CNRS, FRE3632, F-75013 Paris, France; and
| | - Tristan Courau
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université Paris 06, Laboratoire I3 (Immunologie-Immunopathologie-Immunothérapie), F-75013 Paris, France; INSERM, UMR_S 959, F-75013 Paris, France; CNRS, FRE3632, F-75013 Paris, France; and
| | - Nicolas Dérian
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université Paris 06, Laboratoire I3 (Immunologie-Immunopathologie-Immunothérapie), F-75013 Paris, France; INSERM, UMR_S 959, F-75013 Paris, France; CNRS, FRE3632, F-75013 Paris, France; and
| | - Laura Florez
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université Paris 06, Laboratoire I3 (Immunologie-Immunopathologie-Immunothérapie), F-75013 Paris, France; INSERM, UMR_S 959, F-75013 Paris, France; CNRS, FRE3632, F-75013 Paris, France; and
| | - Maria Grazia Ruocco
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université Paris 06, Laboratoire I3 (Immunologie-Immunopathologie-Immunothérapie), F-75013 Paris, France; INSERM, UMR_S 959, F-75013 Paris, France; CNRS, FRE3632, F-75013 Paris, France; and
| | - David Klatzmann
- Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université Paris 06, Laboratoire I3 (Immunologie-Immunopathologie-Immunothérapie), F-75013 Paris, France; INSERM, UMR_S 959, F-75013 Paris, France; CNRS, FRE3632, F-75013 Paris, France; and Assistance-Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Biothérapies et Centre d'Investigation Clinique en Biothérapie, F-75013 Paris, France
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35
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Seminal CD38 Enhances Human Sperm Capacitation through Its Interaction with CD31. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139110. [PMID: 26407101 PMCID: PMC4583300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sperm have to undergo a maturational process called capacitation in the female reproductive tract. Capacitation confers upon the sperm an ability to gain hypermotility and undergo acrosome reaction. Previous studies have suggested that seminal plasma proteins induce the capacitation of sperm in the female reproductive tract for the successful fertilization of the oocyte. However, the function of seminal plasma proteins in capacitation remains largely unclear. To the end, we found that soluble CD38 (sCD38) in seminal plasma increases the capacitation of sperm via specific interactions between sCD38 and the CD31 on the sperm. Upon the association of sCD38 with CD31, tyrosine kinase Src phosphorylates CD31, a process blocked by Src inhibitors. Shc, SHP-2, Grb2, and SOS, as well as Src kinase were found to associate with the phosphorylated CD31. The sCD38-induced phosphorylation of CD31 initiates a cascade reaction through the phosphorylation of Erk1/2, which results in the acrosome reaction, and sperm hypermotility. These processes were prevented by Src, Ras and MEK inhibitors. Taken together, these data indicate that the sCD38 present in seminal plasma plays a critical role in the capacitation of sperm.
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